Even in today’s airtight, energy-efficient homes, there’s still nothing like a real wood fire — the sound, the scent, the quiet ritual that makes a house feel alive.

Building standards may have changed, but our love for wood fires hasn’t. We just do it differently now with cleaner burns, smarter design, and the right expertise guiding the way.

In homes across New Zealand, Stoke Fireplace Studio helps bring real wood warmth to life — cleanly, compliantly, and with confidence.

“No matter where you’re building in New Zealand, you can absolutely have a wood fire that meets today’s standards,” says Mick from Stoke Christchurch. “It’s just about choosing the right one for your home and region.”

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The Escea TFS1000 Wood Fireplace brings modern warmth to this Kaikōura new build.

Wood Fires for Modern New Zealand Homes

Modern homes are built differently now — sealed for energy efficiency, with less natural airflow than older houses. That means fireplaces need to be designed differently too.

“Traditional fires draw air from inside the room, which can create draughts or even affect performance in airtight spaces,” Mick explains.

“That’s where Escea really stands out. Their Direct Vent system draws fresh air from outside the home and expels exhaust the same way — so it burns cleanly, safely, and keeps the warmth exactly where it should.”

In parts of the country with Clean Air Zones, like Canterbury, there are even tighter regulations on emissions. Here, only approved ultra low-emission (ULEB) models can be installed, giving homeowners confidence that their fireplace meets local environmental standards while still delivering that real-wood experience.

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Architectural intent meets everyday warmth — the Escea TFS650 Wood Fireplace anchors Que Homes’ modern living space.

Inside the Que Homes Showhome

In Canterbury, Que Homes' Director Justin McDonald worked with Stoke Christchurch to bring a balance of architectural intent and everyday warmth to life — finding the perfect fireplace for their clean, contemporary showhome.

At the centre of the living space, a ULEB-approved Escea TFS650 Wood Fireplace sits atop a floating hearth that stretches the length of the wall, creating a striking focal point grounded in texture, materiality, and light.

“They wanted something architectural — a fire that felt integrated, not placed,” Mick says. “The TFS650’s flat-base design meant it could be positioned exactly where the architecture called for it — perfectly aligned with Que Homes’ clean, linear aesthetic.”

Outside, an Escea EW5000 Outdoor Cooking Fireplace mirrors that same aesthetic — extending the warmth and atmosphere beyond the glass, creating a natural gathering place that encourages people to linger a little longer.

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The Escea EW5000 Outdoor Wood Fireplace extends the ambience outdoors — a natural gathering place beyond the glass.

Working with Stoke

From concept to completion, Stoke makes the process effortless.

“Mick and his team are great — very knowledgeable and helpful,” Justin says. “They made the whole process simple, from choosing the right model to making sure everything met compliance.”

Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an old one, Stoke Fireplace Studio helps you bring real wood warmth to life — beautifully, compliantly, and with confidence.

Plan Your Wood Fireplace

Ready to plan your fireplace? Talk to Stoke Fireplace Studio and bring real wood warmth home.